The NFL's stiff actions against the Saints were made much clearer by the joint conference between Goodell and Durbin on Wednesday. The harsh penalties seemingly helped to create the impression that the league will not stand for such actions and that aggressive action would be taken against not just the players but the bounty system as a whole.

Even if those actions may prove to be careless and based on unsubstantiated evidence. Only time will tell if the punishments were warranted.